PATRIOT NEWS

Social media helps people connect, learn, become engaged, and share information. But it also can affect children's mental health and safety. Take these steps to keep your child safe on social media.

1.Be Cyber Safe Cyberbullying, hate speech, and harassment are just a few social media-related dangers. Talk to your child about how social media platforms work so they feel safe telling you about their experiences. Ask them what they saw on social media, how they understand what was posted, and how they would respond to various situations they might encounter online.

2. Limit Social Media Use Developing brains are especially vulnerable to some social media features. Limit social media use on platforms that include counts of likes or encourage excessive use. Use screen time settings to help your child set limits and learn self-control. Prohibit screen time that interferes with at least 8 hours of sleep a night.

3.Stay Connected When your child gets a phone, explain that posts and messages aren’t private and often are permanent, which could affect them now and years from now. Inspecting your child’s phone will reinforce that what they do on it isn’t private and remind them to think through how they communicate before hitting send or post. You can also link your account to theirs to monitor their use

4.Watch for Problems Consider whether any of these statements are true for your child:

• It interferes with their daily routines.

• They often choose social media over inperson social interactions.

• It prevents them from engaging in regular physical activity.

• They keep using social media even when they express a desire to stop.

• They experience strong cravings to check social media.

• They lie or use deceptive behavior to spend time online.

If you are concerned your child is dependent on social media or using it in unhealthy ways, consider enforcing new limits around accessing it. If you think your child is experiencing psychological harm, talk to a mental health professional to find healthier ways for your child to engage with the digital world.

from www.naesp.org

Parent Teacher Conferences are coming up! PTO organizes a meal for teachers during the first day of conferences because teachers stay at the school through the evening.

PTO will be providing the main part of dinner for teachers on Thursday, Feb. 15. Would you be able to assist with providing a sweet treat for the dessert or beverages?

Please use the sign up genius link below if you can contribute cookies, a pack of sodas, etc.

Thank you!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040F4FA4A82FA2F58-47262551-teacher?fbclid=IwAR1Sz5Cgx3vnY8mCBbPOEeFETavP3DNE-HPWqKf1eljinC8KyG5MWhTZjyY#/

The book fair is happening next month (February) and volunteers are needed to help the library with sales! Please sign up below if you have an hour to spare throughout the book fair schedule.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040F4FA4A82FA2F58-47339122-book

Yearbooks are $25.00 and can be purchased here: https://century-pto-store.square.site/

The pinewood derby race is coming up!

Pick up your pinewood derby car kit at the front office for only $5.00!

Register for the race (Feb. 6, 2024) using this link:

https://forms.gle/7WQKGUF91WRu36ya7

We encourage you to use the attendance line when calling in your student's absence. The attendance line number is 701-746-2443. Please leave a message letting us know your students name, teacher and reason for their absence. Thank you!

Mrs. Carlson- Poppy Boisjolie, Claira Jones

Mrs. Johnson- Emma Gbieor, Jace Weber

Mrs. Palmiscno- Micah Khelshus, Mawousse Yawo

Mrs. Stromme- Echema Ndinge-Njume, Sofia Torres

Ms. Devier- Gage Brackett, Emma Phelps

Mrs. Geatz-Braaten- Dylan Gray, Mia Gowan

Ms. Heinert- Darrion Stevens

Mrs. Ripplinger- Muhammad Marafa

Ms. Krush- Leilyaina Slinginger

Mrs. Schueler- Corbin Jefferson, Kaysn Rubbert

Mrs. Stensland- Aubreanna Hernandez, Chris Dukuly

Ms. Wahlin- Miles Simons, Babu (Rhythm) Bhattarai

Mrs. Larson- Valery Navarro, Rayna Lassiiter

Mrs. Lunak- Aubrey Weber

Ms. Rieger- Amirah Bethea

Mrs. Berger- Isaac Sundberg, Joseph Lira

Mrs. Buchhop- Eileen Arellanes Montanez

Mr. Willberg- Trinity Crandall, Marko Stuupnisky, Daisy Christian

Mrs. Jefferson- Maci Hills

Ms. McCrudden- Aarya Kharel, Delisha Bhattarai

Ms. Schipman- Avalyne Stevens

Ms. Lana- Liam Finneman

Remember to contact the school office at 701-746-2440 if you have a change in the information you gave us at the beginning of the school year. This could be phone numbers, addresses, parent/guardian place of employment, emergency numbers, e-mail, etc. We want to have the most up-to-date information for mailings, emergencies, etc.

Feb. 6- 6 to 8 PM PTO Pinewood Derby at Century Gym

Feb 15- Parent Teacher Conferences from 4-7pm

Feb 16- NO SCHOOL-Parent Teacher Conferences 8am-3pm

Feb 19- No School- Professional Development

Feb 20- Parent Teacher Conferences from 4-7pm

Feb 22- PTO fundraiser at Culvers from 5-8 PM

Feb 28- Early Release @ 1:30pm

Feb 29- Century Family Math Night from 6:30 to 7:30

Mar 1- End of 2nd Trimester

School dismisses at 1:30 on the following dates (please mark these dates on your calendar) :

Feb 28

Mar 20

Apr 10

Apr 24

May 8

May 22

Please DO NOT send prescription or over-the-counter medications to school with a student. This is for the safety of all students in case medication is lost. A parent/guardian must bring the medication into the school office with a Medication Authorization Form. The office has forms available or you may print the one attached below.

Email: thinesley150@mygfschools.org
Website: www.gfschools.org/Century
Location: 3351 17th Ave S, Grand Forks, ND, USA
Phone: 701-746-2440
Twitter: @CenturyGF